For about four decades the United States has supported the legality of abortion, allowing women to become the final authority in choosing whether their preborn child will live or die. The legacy of abortion has not only permitted over 50 million children to be brutally killed, it has also birthed a “culture of death” mentality that is becoming increasingly accepted in our nation, even within the Christian Church. For example, many Americans are being convinced that medical cures for many debilitating diseases can be found through embryonic stem cell research. Some see this type of research as a great opportunity to advance human health. Others correctly identify this argument as evil and morally reprehensible because human life really does begin at the cellular level, right where each of us, including our Lord Jesus Christ, began the human journey.Regrettably, in discussing abortion some people get labeled as “one issue Christians,” because they give the impression of focusing on abortion only, instead of weighing other issues.

What needs to be recognized is that abortion is a symptom of a much greater problem—disobeying what God has already revealed: “…choose life, so that your children may live…” (Deuteronomy 30:19); “Do no wrong or violence…and do not shed innocent blood…” (Jeremiah 22:3); “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves…” (Proverbs 31:8); and “…whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Our sinful nature naturally leads us to consider choices in view of what seems best for our lifestyles, instead of what might help “the least of these.” Abortion is not just a mere “issue,” it is a matter of life and death. A biblical view of abortion and other life issues reflects a deeper, soulful respect for the divine perspective of what it means to be human. When we value human life as God values it, we then understand which choices help protect life and avoid the shedding of innocent blood.

We as Christians must understand that the sanctity of human life and God’s heart are inextricably linked, and need to act accordingly. Conversely, if we compromise on the sacredness of life, our decision making on all other issues will be compromised, and not line up with the revealed Word of God. “He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.”—Martin Luther King, Jr.